LE CATCH

From New York to London to Milan, fashion show-goers are faring mercurial springlike weather in the seemingly adaptable bomber jacket. Besides being just-right warm, the bomber is easy to layer, dress-to-pants versatile and comfy as can be. While I prefer the clean and simple iterations, the embellished bombers undeniably pull together an outfit with a bang! Consider joining the ranks with these options from Topshop (below, or this straightforward one), 3.1 Phillip Lim, Veronica Beard, Stella McCartney, Zara, Maison Scotch, and Kolor.

$450, shopbop

I went shopping the other day with a friend, who was looking for easy dresses to wear all over Italy next summer, the kind that go from the Forum to a Tuscan sunflower field--with flair! If it were me, I'd pack this oh-so-flattering, day-to-night do-it-all!

1. Veronica Beard ruched dress, $450, shopbop.com
2. Illesteva sunglasses, $300, shopbop.com
3. Phyllis + Rosie chain cuff bracelet, $85, shopbop.com
4. Sophie Hulme tote bag, $971, farfetch.com
5. Loeffler Randall lace-up sandals, $250, nordstrom.com

Having once held a fitness editor post at a Conde Nast magazine, I know that keeping my body happy/healthy requires mixing up my workout--hence my weekly rotation of running, Body by Simone dance classes, strength-training, core work, yoga, and hiking. But lately I've been feeling that my workout outfit is what needs some mixing up. Specifically, my everyday black leggings. I must have a dozen pairs! Yes, they are most flattering, but I'm thinking a printed pant--or at least one with some unexpected, stylish details--could jazz things up a bit, help crank up the heart rate and consequently carve the curves! When you dress the (kick-butt) part, then it's easier to walk the walk, right?! I'd like to sweat it out in these leggings from Beyond Yoga, The Upside, Free People, Prismsport, LNA, Phat Buddha, Tory Sport, and Under Armor.

$169, stylekeepers

Since lace will be huge (again!) this spring, a dramatic, balloon-sleeve blouse is only fitting!

1. Stylekeepers lace blouse, $169, stylekeepers.com
2. J.Crew sunglasses, $98, jcrew.com
3. Sarah Chloe ring set, $174, shopbop.com
4. Rebecca Minkoff pouch, $85, shopbop.com
5. Yves Saint Laurent Nail Lacquer in 141 Day Bloomer, $28, nordstrom.com
6. Isabel Marant sandals, $445, bergdorfgoodman.com
7. MiH cargo pants, $345, matchesfashion.com

Speaking of crochet, it's going to have its moment in the sun, come bikini season (or even earlier, spring break!). I'm loving all these mix-and-match (and well-priced!) suits from Victoria's Secret (also here). These other styles from Zimmermann, Robin Piccone, Pily Q, andKiini will also surely make a splash!

$280, whistles

The next LA heat wave will see me in this glam crochet dress!

1. Whistles crochet dress, $280, whistles.com
2. Nars Matte Lipstick in Jungle Red, $28, nordstrom.com
3. Gabriela Artigas tusk ring, $132, shopbop.com
4. Madewell ring, $18, shopbop.com
5. Eliza Gran straw tote, $98, shopbop.com
6. Guiseppe Zanotti patent leather sandals, $650, neimanmarcus.com

Something just made my spring shopping significantly easier: the J.Crew Style Guide, because a substantial portion of what I want to wear next season (and later) is contained inside! For starters, the cooly re-invented khaki pants, above, that are inspired by the cultish Rayner wide-leg jeans). I love the metallic sandals featured with them too! My other favorites also happen to be fresh takes on wardrobe classics, including these striped heels, this off-duty linen tee, these statement-making sunglasses (last pic), this striped sweater (below), this cotton linen button-down (as sexy over a bikini as with a pair of jeans), these attention-getting chandelier earrings and this grey feather-trimmed top. You can check it all out for yourself here.

In recent times, my surfer/skateboarding husband has been threatening to build a half-pipe in our backyard(!), for the kids, he says. I try to be supportive of his interests, but couldn't I just agree to something else, like wearing Vans to date night? Well as it happens, that actually might work (for me) as New York fashion editors are now sporting old school Vans sneakers in a manner I quite like. And the monogramming is a cool touch (anyone know where you can get them done??), but I wouldn't mind a standard-issue anonymous pair. I have a feeling my husband would prefer them! You can find them here and here.

Photos: Marina Larroude, Vogue

Last fall's super sexy, super sought-after Celine dress (seen here) escaped my clutches, but not this (super less expensive!) one from Zara. Score!

Were I trying to survive the arctic tundra that is currently New York City, I'd be focused on warm coats, gloves (socks!) and the like. Probably the last thing I'd have on my cold-snap priority list is a pair of statement sunglasses. But after checking out these street style pics, I can see that I would be in the minority, and also that it's time to do some sunglasses upgrading, as spring, believe it or not, is just around the corner! Clearly, the next pair has to have some cool retro (photogenic!) spirit, such as these by Dior (above and last pic), Super by Retrosuperfuture, Ray Ban, Topshop, and AJ Morgan (similar to below). Oh, and you can find that most excellent (and spring-friendly) Isabel Marant jacket, above, here and here.

P.S. Speaking of cold weather must-haves, I spotted a slew of them on sale at Nordstrom, including this Rag & Bone cape, this Topshop coat and this Vince Camuto parka, plus a Dolce & Gabbana bag or two! Check it all out here.

Photos: Craig Arend, Vogue, W Magazine, Harper's Bazaar